A complainant is authorized under section 16(b) of the
Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. 216(b)) to file a civil action
in a court of competent jurisdiction within two years or, if the violation
is willful, three years of the date of the alleged violation of the
Equal Pay Act regardless of whether he or she pursued any administrative
complaint processing. Recovery of back wages is limited to two years
prior to the date of filing suit, or to three years if the violation
is deemed willful; liquidated damages in an equal amount may also
be awarded. The filing of a complaint or appeal under this part shall
not toll the time for filing a civil action.
