Opinion ID: 2140651
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Threshold Requirement for Civil Penalties and Injunctive Relief

Text: Even if the district court is authorized to award civil penalties and injunctive relief, Farmers argues that these remedies are available in civil actions only when the plaintiffs are entitled to compensatory damages. Subdivision 8 describes the remedies available in civil actions by private parties: An employer who pays an employee less than the wages and overtime compensation to which the employee is entitled under sections 177.21 to 177.35 is liable to the employee for the full amount of the wages, gratuities, and overtime compensation, less any amount the employer is able to establish was actually paid to the employee and for an additional equal amount as liquidated damages. In addition, in an action under this subdivision the employee may seek damages and other appropriate relief provided by subdivision 7 and otherwise provided by law. Minn.Stat. § 177.27, subd. 8 (emphasis added). Farmers argues that the words [i]n addition in the second sentence indicate that there must be unpaid wages or overtime compensation before an employee may seek other appropriate relief provided by subdivision 7. The court of appeals rejected this argument, concluding that the plain meaning of the `in addition' language    is not limiting, but rather it is granting. Milner, 725 N.W.2d at 143. We similarly conclude that the statute is clear and unambiguous, and the plain meaning of the words in addition does not limit the circumstances in which an employee can seek the remedies of subdivision 7. Moreover, this conclusion is appropriate considering that an employee may bring a private suit for the violation of any section of the MFLSA, including a failure to maintain records. Minn.Stat. § 177.27, subd. 8. Although such a violation may not result in compensatory damages, other relief, such as civil penalties or injunctions, may be appropriate.