Deni Elliott , Ethics Officer
	Jeff Cable , Ethics Educator

Moonlighting

Can I work for my former employer on the weekends? Carlos had been contacted by his former boss and asked to fill in from time to time for employees on vacation. Carlos wants to make sure that occasional moonlighting does not create a conflict of interest and his question is not an uncommon one.

Metropolitan employees posses a wealth of talents and skills recognized by the private sector and, as a result, are sometimes offered work beyond their employment at Metropolitan. Provided employees do not become competitors of MWD, outside work is generally allowed with the following guidelines.

• Competition—If Carlos' former employer also happens to be a contractor for MWD, has been or is likely to contract with MWD in the future, then Carlos cannot accept work.
• Time—all work planned and completed is on his own time
• Performance—his job performance at MWD is not adversely impacted or effected
• Resources—he must use his own tools, equipment and supplies.

Now what if Carlos wears his MWD work hat while working for his former employer – is that okay, surely a hat cannot be considered tools, equipment or supplies – can it?

While a hat would not necessarily be considered “equipment or supplies” it does give the impression that Carlos is working for MWD and not himself.

Wondering where the lines begin and end? Give us a call. We review each situation on a case-by-case basis and provide guidelines for each employee.

Send your thoughts to ethics@mwdh2o.com .