§ 30 — Damages and penalties for the employee

If an employer takes any retaliatory action against an employee in violation of Section 15 or 20, the employee may bring a civil action against the employer for all relief necessary to make the employee whole, including but not limited to the following, as appropriate: (1) permanent or preliminary injunctive relief; (2) reinstatement with the same seniority status that the employee would have had, but for the violation; (3) back pay, with interest of 9% per annum up to 90 calendar days from the date the complaint is filed and front pay; (4) liquidated damages of up to $10,000; (5) compensation for any costs incurred as a result of the violation, including litigation costs, expert witness fees, and reasonable attorney's fees; and (6) additionally, the court shall award a civil penalty of $10,000 payable to the employee.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 103-867, eff. 1-1-25 .)