Section 19.1. Protection of Jurors' Employment.--(a) An employer shall not deprive an employe of his employment, or threaten or otherwise coerce him with respect thereto, because the employe receives a summons, responds thereto, serves as a juror, or attends court for prospective jury service.
(b) Any employer who violates subsection (a) is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree and upon conviction thereof shall be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or to undergo imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of the court.
(c) If an employer penalizes an employe in violation of subsection (a) the employe within six months may bring a civil action for recovery of wages or benefits lost as a result of the violation and for an order requiring the reinstatement of the employe. Damages recoverable shall be double the wages and benefits actually lost. The employe shall be allowed a reasonable attorney's fee fixed by the court.
(19.1 added July 16, 1975, P.L.64, No.39)