Subdivision 1. Right of action.
Any employee whose compensation is at a rate that is in violation of section 181.67 has a right of action against an employer for the recovery of the amount of the unpaid wages to which the employee is entitled for the one year period preceding the commencement of the action, and an amount up to the amount of these unpaid wages may be levied at the discretion of the court as exemplary damages.
Subd. 2. Attorney fees.
In addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff, the court shall allow reasonable attorney fees to be taxed as costs.
Subd. 3. Parties to action.
The action for the unpaid wages and liquidated damages may be maintained by one or more employees on behalf of themselves or other employees similarly situated.
Subd. 4. Agreements for lesser compensation.
An agreement for compensation at a rate less than the rate to which an employee is entitled under sections 181.66 to 181.71 is not a defense to any such action.