29 U.S.C. § 2005: Enforcement provisions

Summary

Employers who break the rules can be fined up to $10,000. The Secretary of Labor decides the exact amount by looking at the employer’s past compliance and how serious the violation was. Fines are collected the same way other civil penalties are collected. The Secretary can sue to stop violations. The Solicitor of Labor can represent the Secretary in court. Federal district courts can issue temporary or permanent orders to make employers follow the rules and can order relief like hiring, reinstatement, promotion, and payment of lost wages and benefits. Workers and job applicants can sue employers in federal or state court for those same remedies. Lawsuits must start within 3 years of the violation. Courts may award reasonable costs and attorney fees to the winner (other than the United States). Rights under this chapter cannot be waived except in a written settlement signed by the parties in a pending case or complaint.

Title 29, §2005

Labor, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Civil penalties

(1)In general

Subject to paragraph (2), any employer who violates any provision of this chapter may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $10,000.

(2)Determination of amount

In determining the amount of any penalty under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into account the previous record of the person in terms of compliance with this chapter and the gravity of the violation.

(3)Collection

Any civil penalty assessed under this subsection shall be collected in the same manner as is required by subsections (b) through (e) of section 1853 of this title with respect to civil penalties assessed under subsection (a) of such section.

(b)Injunctive actions by Secretary

The Secretary may bring an action under this section to restrain violations of this chapter. The Solicitor of Labor may appear for and represent the Secretary in any litigation brought under this chapter. In any action brought under this section, the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown, to issue temporary or permanent restraining orders and injunctions to require compliance with this chapter, including such legal or equitable relief incident thereto as may be appropriate, including, but not limited to, employment, reinstatement, promotion, and the payment of lost wages and benefits.

(c)Private civil actions

(1)Liability

An employer who violates this chapter shall be liable to the employee or prospective employee affected by such violation. Such employer shall be liable for such legal or equitable relief as may be appropriate, including, but not limited to, employment, reinstatement, promotion, and the payment of lost wages and benefits.

(2)Court

An action to recover the liability prescribed in paragraph (1) may be maintained against the employer in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction by an employee or prospective employee for or on behalf of such employee, prospective employee, and other employees or prospective employees similarly situated. No such action may be commenced more than 3 years after the date of the alleged violation.

(3)Costs

The court, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party (other than the United States) reasonable costs, including attorney’s fees.

(d)Waiver of rights prohibited

The rights and procedures provided by this chapter may not be waived by contract or otherwise, unless such waiver is part of a written settlement agreed to and signed by the parties to the pending action or complaint under this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective 6 months after June 27, 1988, except that

Rules and Regulations

shall be issued not later than 90 days after June 27, 1988, see section 11 of Pub. L. 100–347, set out as a note under section 2001 of this title.

§2005 Enforcement Provisions

Summary

Title 29, §2005

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Rules and Regulations

Citations & Metadata