Section 656.7 - Protection from retaliation.(a)General rule.--It shall be unlawful for a public works contractor or subcontractor to discharge, threaten or otherwise retaliate or discriminate against an employee regarding compensation or other terms or conditions of employment because the employee: (1) Participates in an investigation, hearing or inquiry held by the secretary or any other governmental authority under this article; or(2) Reports or makes a complaint regarding the violation of this article to a public works contractor or subcontractor or to any governmental authority.(b) Actions.-- (1) An employee who suffers retaliation or discrimination in violation of this section may bring an action in a court of common pleas in accordance with established civil procedures of this Commonwealth.(2) The action must be brought within 180 days from the date the employee knew of the retaliation or discrimination.(c) Relief.--If an employee prevails in an action commenced under this section, the employee shall be entitled to the following relief:(1) Reinstatement of the employee, if applicable.(2) Restitution equal to three times the amount of the employee's wages and fringe benefits calculated from the date of the retaliation or discrimination.(3) Reasonable attorney fees and costs of the action.(4) Any other legal and equitable relief as the court deems appropriate.Added by P.L. TBD 2022 No. 141, § 3, eff. 1/3/2023.