The problem of pickpockets, a constant here among the tourists, has escalated drastically of late, said Stéphane Dieu of the C.G.T., a union that represents employees of the Eiffel Tower.
“We realized it was getting serious last weekend when three of our employees received direct threats, and we didn’t want to wait until it came to physical violence,” he said.
In the past, the pickpockets came in groups of two, three or even four, but now as many as 30 may be working the monument, with bands of 15 at a time fanning out, said Mr. Dieu and several workers who were at the monument during the walkout, explaining to tourists why it was closed.
About 80 people work at the tower, some welcoming tourists and selling tickets, and others cleaning up.
The pickpockets often buy tickets and then go up the tower and linger at the first, second and third levels, where tourists frequently pause to take photographs. Visitors are particularly vulnerable on the second level, where the lines are long for the elevator to the top.
Several workers said uniformed police officers were needed in the monument to discourage the thieves.
A similar strike took place at the Louvre two years ago after an influx of pickpockets. In response, the police increased their presence at the museum.
Tourists seemed largely unconcerned and understanding when they learned that a security issue had closed the tower.
“We were warned about potential pickpockets, but we never felt threatened or endangered,” said Larry Schaap, 66, who was visiting Paris for the first time from South Carolina with his wife, Rita.
Mr. Dieu said that for the long weekend the company that manages the monument had agreed to add extra private security, and that the police would bring additional forces to the area and try to be responsive to any reports of criminal activity.
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