Protests against overtourism took place in several Southern European cities, including Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon.

In Italy, Portugal and Spain, activists used water pistols and a “noisy stroll” of suitcases to draw attention to rising housing costs and the environmental toll of tourism.

CNN reports that the strike abruptly took place during a routine meeting. Gallery attendants, ticket agents and security refused to work in protest over uncontrollable crowds, understaffing and what was referred to by a union as an “untenable” working environment. No additional details were revealed.

“There are too many visitors, and the rooms are in very bad conditions,” he said. “It’s very difficult for the workers.”

The Louvre has become a bellwether of global overtourism — a gilded palace overwhelmed by its own popularity.