E. Coli Contamination

Dear Members, 

On February 1st the Union was notified of an incident of health & safety concern. On January 31st an aircraft tested positive for low levels of E. Coli or a potential false positive. Immediately following the notification, the aircraft water system was MEL’d to protect guests and crew.  

From the time of the sample to when the water system was MEL’d several crew members came into contact with the aircraft and are at risk for potential exposure. These members have been identified, contacted by the Employer directly and advised to self-monitor for symptoms. Infection usually begins three to four days after exposure to the bacteria. However, illness may present itself as quickly as one day to more than seven days following the exposure. 

Signs and symptoms include but are not limited to: 

• Diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody 

• Stomach cramping, pain, or tenderness 

• Nausea and vomiting, in some people. 

E. Coli bacteria can easily travel from person to person, especially when infected adults or children do not wash their hands properly. Please contact your doctor should you experience symptoms and believe you are at risk or have questions about E. Coli. 

The Employer routinely completes water testing every hundred days on the aircraft’s water tanks. Additional tests are performed at the water source's location every thirty days. A water system on an aircraft can only be MEL’d for a maximum of 10 days.  

On February 5th, the Union received an update that the affected aircraft has been sanitized and the MEL has been removed from the aircraft.  

Should you need support or have more questions about this issue, please contact your inflight Leader and copy your Base VP. 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Health and Safety Committee