Rhode Island General Laws Title 37. Public Property and Works § 37-26-9. Retaliation

(1) Reports or makes a complaint under this section, or otherwise asserts the employee's rights under this section; or

(2) Participates in any investigation, hearing, or inquiry held by the director of labor and training under §§ 37-26-7 or 37-26-8, or upon a review of an investigation under this section, or for participating in a private right of action brought under this chapter. In the event a contractor or subcontractor retaliates or discriminates against an employee in violation of this section, the affected employee may file an action in any court of competent jurisdiction and the court shall order reinstatement and/or restitution of the affected employee, as appropriate, with back pay to the date of the violation, and an additional amount in liquidated damages equal to two (2) times the amount of back pay and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.