Money. Successful FLSA plaintiffs are entitled to back pay for all unpaid overtime,
usually beginning two years before the complaint is filed. In most cases, they are also
entitled to double the amount of back pay. This is called liquidated damages, and is
essentially in lieu of interest on the unpaid wages. The Act also requires the employer to
reimburse out of pocket litigation expenses and pay an additional attorneys’ fee award.
Some pre-tax FLSA recoveries by employees have been quite substantial. For
employees nearing retirement, back pay awards may increase pension benefits.
