Herbert Lewis, Columnist

I just heard that one of my coworkers is being fired. Should I tell her?

Keep your mouth shut. False rumours are always circulating. It might be true, but remember that management could change its mind. What's more, you are butting into a critical personnel issue, which could put your own job on the line if management discovered that you spilled the beans.

I have just been promoted, and now I have to supervise my friend. How can I ease the ego blow?

Take him to lunch. Tell him the new set-up might be a little awkward but you value him as a friend and as a co-worker and that you look forward to receiving his usual cooperation. Then ask him if he has any concerns. You got your promotion in part because of your interpersonal skills, so use them.

A woman in our office wears sexy outfits - too sexy at times. How can I explain this to her without getting slapped with a harassment complaint?

Ask another woman in the office (a friend of hers, if possible) to bring it to her attention. Or, ask the human resource manager to do the talking. If she reports to you and you are determined to do the talking, make sure there is another female present and avoid describing the clothing. The dress code, not her hotness, is the issue.

When taking time off to interview for a new job, should I call in sick, take a vacation day, or sneak out for a long lunch break?

Calling in sick is unethical, and dishonest, and you risk running into a colleague who reports you. A lunch break will have you watching the clock, which won't help you landing the new job. Just take a vacation day. No need to explain.

How do I decline a social invitation from my boss? My wife can't stand a bone in him.

Invitations, especially if they are frequent, are not command performances, so feel free to beg off without being specific. "I am sorry, we are not going to be able to make it, but thanks for your invitation." Just don't refuse every time. Take the pressure off your wife by accepting occasionally, but only you. She will appreciate the sacrifice, and every once in a while, pick something like a cocktail party to attend as a couple. She will be free to mingle out of range.

I asked one of my coworkers out and she said no. How do I avoid looking like a jerk now?

Don't be a jerk. Don't talk about her, don't sabotage her, don't avoid her, and don't seek her out any more than you would anyone else in the office.

I signed a confidentiality clause at my job, but I sometimes discuss work matters with my wife. Can I get into legal trouble for opening my mouth at home?

Yes. Even if you spilled the beans to your spouse, you have still officially violated the agreement. 'My wife is just a chatty chatty' is not a defence. Your best bet is to say nothing to her.

My boss is shady. I don't want to lose my job, but I don't want to go to jail either. What should I do?

I don't think you are legally responsible for your boss's shenanigans unless you knowingly help carry out a crime. But if he is committing crimes, continuing to work directly for him may put you in murky waters. The Government has proposed whistle-blowing legislation, but in the meantime why stay as a deck hand on a sinking ship? From what you say, this ship is likely to sink. For your protection, you should consider talking to a lawyer.

Recently, some police officers stopped traffic to check registration and carry out searches. I felt that it was like a fishing expedition. Is this legal?

Unlike in your home, you have a far more limited right to privacy while driving in your car. Again and again, traffic stops have been deemed legal by the courts for a whole host of reasons. It is quite often said by some cops that they are carrying out registration checks, while in reality, they may have been looking for something far more serious.

These are serious times in Jamaica and I urge all law-abiding citizens to cooperate with the police in carrying out their duties. At the same time, we the citizens expect them to carry out their duties with respect for citizens right.

Herbert Lewis is an industrial relations specialist. Email: herblewis@cwjamaica.com