France's National Mint announced on Monday that production of the medal had been discontinued. 2024 Paris Olympics Plans had been on track since last month despite protests and cancellations by staff.
About 50 employees demonstrated outside the Mint's headquarters in central Paris on Monday, claiming that the past two-week suspension had “impeded production” of medals ahead of the opening of the Olympics on July 26.
The Mint said in a statement that “production of the medals has not been disrupted.”
“All medals have been cast and are in the finishing stages. We will deliver them on time and on schedule.”
Protesting workers, led by unions, are demanding an “Olympic bonus” paid to other state employees, such as police officers and nurses, who must work during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in July and August. There is.
Mint management has rejected the bonus and is negotiating raises for 430 employees responsible for producing the approximately 5,000 gold, silver and bronze medals used during the Games.
The Paris 2024 Olympic medals are made from recycled metal, and each medal includes a small hexagonal medallion cut from discarded metal from the original Eiffel Tower.
The design is by French luxury jeweler Chaumet.
The Mint previously denied reports in January that it was having trouble finding the right non-toxic material to coat each medal.
Paddle irons used on the Eiffel Tower must be protected from air and moisture to avoid rusting.
Written by Garyn Lambly ©Agence France-Presse