Alaska Statutes
Alaska Stat. § 23.10.110 (2026)
Remedies of employee; attorney fees; offers of judgment; settlement; waiver
✓ current as of July 2026
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Sec. 23.10.110. Remedies of employee; attorney fees; offers of judgment; settlement; waiver.
(a) An employer who violates a provision of AS 23.10.060 or 23.10.065 is liable to an employee affected in the amount of unpaid minimum wages, or unpaid overtime compensation, as the case may be, and, except as provided in (d) of this section, in an additional equal amount as liquidated damages.
(b) An action to recover from the employer the wages and damages for which the employer is liable may be maintained in a competent court by an employee personally and for other employees similarly situated, or an employee may individually designate in writing an agent or representative to maintain an action for the employee. The consent shall be filed in the court in which the action is brought. At the request of a person paid less than the amount to which the person is entitled under AS 23.10.050 — 23.10.150, the commissioner may take an assignment in trust for the employee of the full amount to which the employee is entitled under this section and may bring any legal action necessary to collect the claim.
(c) The court in an action brought under this section shall, in addition to a judgment awarded to the plaintiff, allow costs of the action and, except as provided in (e) — (h) of this section, reasonable attorney fees to be paid by the defendant. The attorney fees in the case of actions brought under this section by the commissioner shall be remitted by the commissioner to the Department of Revenue. The commissioner may not be required to pay the filing fee or other costs. The commissioner in case of suit has power to join various claimants against the same employer in one cause of action.
(d) In an action under (a) of this section to recover unpaid overtime compensation or liquidated damages for unpaid overtime, if the defendant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the act or omission giving rise to the action was made in good faith and that the employer had reasonable grounds for believing that the act or omission was not in violation of AS 23.10.060, the court may decline to award liquidated damages or may award an amount of liquidated damages less than the amount set out in (a) of this section.
(e) If the plaintiff prevails in an action for unpaid overtime compensation under (a) of this section, the court shall award reasonable attorney fees to the plaintiff unless the defendant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the act or omission giving rise to the action was made in good faith and that the defendant had reasonable grounds for believing that the act or omission was not in violation of AS 23.10.060, in which case
(1) the court may award attorney fees to the plaintiff in accordance with court rules; or
(2) if the defendant would be entitled to attorney fees if the action were subject to the standards under court rule offers of judgment, the court may not award attorney fees to either the plaintiff or the defendant.
(f) If the defendant prevails in an action for unpaid overtime compensation under (a) of this section and had previously made an offer of judgment to the plaintiff, the court shall award attorney fees to the defendant unless the plaintiff proves to the satisfaction of the court that the action was both brought and prosecuted in good faith and that the plaintiff had reasonable grounds for believing that the act or omission was in violation of AS 23.10.060. If the court awards attorney fees to the defendant, the award shall be made in accordance with court rule.
(g) Failure to inquire into Alaska law is not consistent with a claim of good faith under this section.
(h) Subsections (d) — (g) of this section do not apply to an action brought under this section by the commissioner.
(i) The commissioner may supervise the payment of the unpaid overtime compensation owing to an employee under AS 23.10.060. Payment in full in accordance with an agreement by an employee to settle a claim for unpaid overtime compensation or liquidated damages for unpaid overtime compensation constitutes a waiver of any right as to this claim the employee may have under (a) of this section to unpaid overtime compensation or liquidated damages for unpaid overtime compensation.
(j) In a settlement for unpaid overtime compensation that is not supervised by the department or the court, an employee is entitled to liquidated damages under (a) of this section unless the employee and the employer enter into a written settlement agreement in which the employee expressly waives the right to receive liquidated damages. A private written settlement agreement under this subsection is not valid unless submitted to the department for review. The department shall review the agreement and approve it if it is fair to the parties. The department shall approve or deny an agreement within 30 days of receipt. A waiver of liquidated damages may not be a condition of employment.
(a) An employer who violates a provision of AS 23.10.060 or 23.10.065 is liable to an employee affected in the amount of unpaid minimum wages, or unpaid overtime compensation, as the case may be, and, except as provided in (d) of this section, in an additional equal amount as liquidated damages.
(b) An action to recover from the employer the wages and damages for which the employer is liable may be maintained in a competent court by an employee personally and for other employees similarly situated, or an employee may individually designate in writing an agent or representative to maintain an action for the employee. The consent shall be filed in the court in which the action is brought. At the request of a person paid less than the amount to which the person is entitled under AS 23.10.050 — 23.10.150, the commissioner may take an assignment in trust for the employee of the full amount to which the employee is entitled under this section and may bring any legal action necessary to collect the claim.
(c) The court in an action brought under this section shall, in addition to a judgment awarded to the plaintiff, allow costs of the action and, except as provided in (e) — (h) of this section, reasonable attorney fees to be paid by the defendant. The attorney fees in the case of actions brought under this section by the commissioner shall be remitted by the commissioner to the Department of Revenue. The commissioner may not be required to pay the filing fee or other costs. The commissioner in case of suit has power to join various claimants against the same employer in one cause of action.
(d) In an action under (a) of this section to recover unpaid overtime compensation or liquidated damages for unpaid overtime, if the defendant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the act or omission giving rise to the action was made in good faith and that the employer had reasonable grounds for believing that the act or omission was not in violation of AS 23.10.060, the court may decline to award liquidated damages or may award an amount of liquidated damages less than the amount set out in (a) of this section.
(e) If the plaintiff prevails in an action for unpaid overtime compensation under (a) of this section, the court shall award reasonable attorney fees to the plaintiff unless the defendant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the act or omission giving rise to the action was made in good faith and that the defendant had reasonable grounds for believing that the act or omission was not in violation of AS 23.10.060, in which case
(1) the court may award attorney fees to the plaintiff in accordance with court rules; or
(2) if the defendant would be entitled to attorney fees if the action were subject to the standards under court rule offers of judgment, the court may not award attorney fees to either the plaintiff or the defendant.
(f) If the defendant prevails in an action for unpaid overtime compensation under (a) of this section and had previously made an offer of judgment to the plaintiff, the court shall award attorney fees to the defendant unless the plaintiff proves to the satisfaction of the court that the action was both brought and prosecuted in good faith and that the plaintiff had reasonable grounds for believing that the act or omission was in violation of AS 23.10.060. If the court awards attorney fees to the defendant, the award shall be made in accordance with court rule.
(g) Failure to inquire into Alaska law is not consistent with a claim of good faith under this section.
(h) Subsections (d) — (g) of this section do not apply to an action brought under this section by the commissioner.
(i) The commissioner may supervise the payment of the unpaid overtime compensation owing to an employee under AS 23.10.060. Payment in full in accordance with an agreement by an employee to settle a claim for unpaid overtime compensation or liquidated damages for unpaid overtime compensation constitutes a waiver of any right as to this claim the employee may have under (a) of this section to unpaid overtime compensation or liquidated damages for unpaid overtime compensation.
(j) In a settlement for unpaid overtime compensation that is not supervised by the department or the court, an employee is entitled to liquidated damages under (a) of this section unless the employee and the employer enter into a written settlement agreement in which the employee expressly waives the right to receive liquidated damages. A private written settlement agreement under this subsection is not valid unless submitted to the department for review. The department shall review the agreement and approve it if it is fair to the parties. The department shall approve or deny an agreement within 30 days of receipt. A waiver of liquidated damages may not be a condition of employment.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 37
cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1979–2021 · leading case: DeSalvo v. Bryant
DeSalvo v. Bryant, 42 P.3d 525 (Alaska 2002). “110(}) states: In a settlement for unpaid overtime compensation that is not supervised by the department or the court, an employee is entitled to liquidated damages under (a) of this section unless the employee and employer enter into a written settlement agreement in which the…”
Grimes v. Kinney Shoe Corp., 938 P.2d 997 (Alaska 1997). “) The United States District Court, acting pursuant to Appellate Rule 407, then certified the following question to this court: May a defendant who prevails in an action brought by an employee to recover wages and penalties under AS 23.10.110 recover a partial attorney fee under…”
Brown v. Knowles, 307 P.3d 915 (Alaska 2013). “53 AS 23.10.110(c), (e). -24 6811 compensation,54 and the superior court awarded those as well.”
Bobich v. Hughes, 965 P.2d 1196 (Alaska 1998). “But an award of liquidated damages under AS 23.10.110 is distinct from awards of attorney’s fees and costs.”
Webster v. Bechtel, Inc., 621 P.2d 890 (Alaska 1980). “Mandatory liquidated damages are available under AS 23.10.110 while they are subject to a good faith defense under 29 U.”
Air Logistics of Alaska, Inc. v. Throop, 181 P.3d 1084 (Alaska 2008). “AS 23.10.110(a). 55 . AS 23.10.110(d) reads in full as follows: In an action under (a) of this section to recover unpaid overtime compensation or liquidated damages for unpaid overtime, if the defendant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the act or omission giving rise…”
Moody v. Royal Wolf Lodge, 433 P.3d 1173 (Alaska 2018). “" Judge Marston then decided that liquidated damages under AS 23.10.110(a) were not appropriate because of the statute's exception for employers who have acted reasonably and in good faith.”
Dayhoff v. Temsco Helicopters, Inc., 772 P.2d 1085 (Alaska 1989). “010; (2) unpaid overtime wages, AS 23.10.110; (3) liquidated damages, id.”
Diaz v. Silver Bay Logging, Inc., 55 P.3d 732 (Alaska 2002). “Diaz's claims for overtime wages earned before August 22, 1995 (the effective date for amended AS 23.10.110) are exempt from having attorney's fees collected against them under former AS 23.”
Alaska Int'l Indus., Inc. v. Musarra, 602 P.2d 1240 (Alaska 1979). “35 The Alaska Wage and Hour Act contains no “good faith” exception to the mandatory award of liquidated damages in cases brought pursuant to AS 23.10.110. Therefore, since the Alaska statute encompasses essentially the same purposes as the federal Act, we think it is logical to…”
State v. Native Vill. of Nunapitchuk, 156 P.3d 389 (Alaska 2007). “300 (actions arising out of the Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act-a two-way provision awarding fees to the prevailing party); AS 46.”
Bobich v. Stewart, 843 P.2d 1232 (Alaska 1992). “The objective of AS 23.10.110, as Bobich himself understands it, is to encourage employees to press wage-and-hour claims.”
— Alaska Stat. § 23.10.110(F) — 1 case
Moody v. Royal Wolf Lodge, 339 P.3d 636 (Alaska 2014).
— Alaska Stat. § 23.10.110(G) — 1 case
DeSalvo v. Bryant, 42 P.3d 525 (Alaska 2002). “110(}) states: In a settlement for unpaid overtime compensation that is not supervised by the department or the court, an employee is entitled to liquidated damages under (a) of this section unless the employee and employer enter into a written settlement agreement in which the…”
— Alaska Stat. § 23.10.110(a) — 18 cases
DeSalvo v. Bryant, 42 P.3d 525 (Alaska 2002). “110(}) states: In a settlement for unpaid overtime compensation that is not supervised by the department or the court, an employee is entitled to liquidated damages under (a) of this section unless the employee and employer enter into a written settlement agreement in which the…”
Bobich v. Hughes, 965 P.2d 1196 (Alaska 1998). “But an award of liquidated damages under AS 23.10.110 is distinct from awards of attorney’s fees and costs.”
Alaska Int'l Indus., Inc. v. Musarra, 602 P.2d 1240 (Alaska 1979). “35 The Alaska Wage and Hour Act contains no “good faith” exception to the mandatory award of liquidated damages in cases brought pursuant to AS 23.10.110. Therefore, since the Alaska statute encompasses essentially the same purposes as the federal Act, we think it is logical to…”
Webster v. Bechtel, Inc., 621 P.2d 890 (Alaska 1980). “Mandatory liquidated damages are available under AS 23.10.110 while they are subject to a good faith defense under 29 U.”
Dayhoff v. Temsco Helicopters, Inc., 772 P.2d 1085 (Alaska 1989). “010; (2) unpaid overtime wages, AS 23.10.110; (3) liquidated damages, id.”
— Alaska Stat. § 23.10.110(b) — 4 cases
Nolan v. Sea Airmotive, Inc., 627 P.2d 1035 (Alaska 1981).
Dayhoff v. Temsco Helicopters, Inc., 772 P.2d 1085 (Alaska 1989). “010; (2) unpaid overtime wages, AS 23.10.110; (3) liquidated damages, id.”
Hallam v. Holland Am. Line, Inc., 180 P.3d 955 (Alaska 2008).
Fred Meyer of Alaska, Inc. v. Adams, 963 P.2d 1025 (Alaska 1998).
— Alaska Stat. § 23.10.110(c) — 16 cases
Grimes v. Kinney Shoe Corp., 938 P.2d 997 (Alaska 1997). “) The United States District Court, acting pursuant to Appellate Rule 407, then certified the following question to this court: May a defendant who prevails in an action brought by an employee to recover wages and penalties under AS 23.10.110 recover a partial attorney fee under…”
Brown v. Knowles, 307 P.3d 915 (Alaska 2013). “53 AS 23.10.110(c), (e). -24 6811 compensation,54 and the superior court awarded those as well.”
State v. Native Vill. of Nunapitchuk, 156 P.3d 389 (Alaska 2007). “300 (actions arising out of the Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act-a two-way provision awarding fees to the prevailing party); AS 46.”
Bobich v. Hughes, 965 P.2d 1196 (Alaska 1998). “But an award of liquidated damages under AS 23.10.110 is distinct from awards of attorney’s fees and costs.”
Bobich v. Stewart, 843 P.2d 1232 (Alaska 1992). “The objective of AS 23.10.110, as Bobich himself understands it, is to encourage employees to press wage-and-hour claims.”
— Alaska Stat. § 23.10.110(d) — 4 cases
Air Logistics of Alaska, Inc. v. Throop, 181 P.3d 1084 (Alaska 2008). “AS 23.10.110(a). 55 . AS 23.10.110(d) reads in full as follows: In an action under (a) of this section to recover unpaid overtime compensation or liquidated damages for unpaid overtime, if the defendant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the act or omission giving rise…”
Moody v. Royal Wolf Lodge, 433 P.3d 1173 (Alaska 2018). “" Judge Marston then decided that liquidated damages under AS 23.10.110(a) were not appropriate because of the statute's exception for employers who have acted reasonably and in good faith.”
DeSalvo v. Bryant, 42 P.3d 525 (Alaska 2002). “110(}) states: In a settlement for unpaid overtime compensation that is not supervised by the department or the court, an employee is entitled to liquidated damages under (a) of this section unless the employee and employer enter into a written settlement agreement in which the…”
Resurrection Bay Auto Parts, Inc. v. Alder (Alaska 2014).
— Alaska Stat. § 23.10.110(e) — 10 cases
Brown v. Knowles, 307 P.3d 915 (Alaska 2013). “53 AS 23.10.110(c), (e). -24 6811 compensation,54 and the superior court awarded those as well.”
Grimes v. Kinney Shoe Corp., 938 P.2d 997 (Alaska 1997). “) The United States District Court, acting pursuant to Appellate Rule 407, then certified the following question to this court: May a defendant who prevails in an action brought by an employee to recover wages and penalties under AS 23.10.110 recover a partial attorney fee under…”
Fred Meyer of Alaska, Inc. v. Bailey, 100 P.3d 881 (Alaska 2004).
DeSalvo v. Bryant, 42 P.3d 525 (Alaska 2002). “110(}) states: In a settlement for unpaid overtime compensation that is not supervised by the department or the court, an employee is entitled to liquidated damages under (a) of this section unless the employee and employer enter into a written settlement agreement in which the…”
Air Logistics of Alaska, Inc. v. Throop, 181 P.3d 1084 (Alaska 2008). “AS 23.10.110(a). 55 . AS 23.10.110(d) reads in full as follows: In an action under (a) of this section to recover unpaid overtime compensation or liquidated damages for unpaid overtime, if the defendant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the act or omission giving rise…”
— Alaska Stat. § 23.10.110(e)(1) — 1 case
Air Logistics of Alaska, Inc. v. Throop, 181 P.3d 1084 (Alaska 2008). “AS 23.10.110(a). 55 . AS 23.10.110(d) reads in full as follows: In an action under (a) of this section to recover unpaid overtime compensation or liquidated damages for unpaid overtime, if the defendant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the act or omission giving rise…”
— Alaska Stat. § 23.10.110(f) — 4 cases
Moody v. Royal Wolf Lodge, 433 P.3d 1173 (Alaska 2018). “" Judge Marston then decided that liquidated damages under AS 23.10.110(a) were not appropriate because of the statute's exception for employers who have acted reasonably and in good faith.”
Diaz v. Silver Bay Logging, Inc., 55 P.3d 732 (Alaska 2002). “Diaz's claims for overtime wages earned before August 22, 1995 (the effective date for amended AS 23.10.110) are exempt from having attorney's fees collected against them under former AS 23.”
Gibson v. Nye Frontier Ford, Inc., 205 P.3d 1091 (Alaska 2009).
Schorr v. Frontier Transp. Co., 942 P.2d 418 (Alaska 1997).
— Alaska Stat. § 23.10.110(g) — 4 cases
Air Logistics of Alaska, Inc. v. Throop, 181 P.3d 1084 (Alaska 2008). “AS 23.10.110(a). 55 . AS 23.10.110(d) reads in full as follows: In an action under (a) of this section to recover unpaid overtime compensation or liquidated damages for unpaid overtime, if the defendant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the act or omission giving rise…”
Moody v. Royal Wolf Lodge, 433 P.3d 1173 (Alaska 2018). “" Judge Marston then decided that liquidated damages under AS 23.10.110(a) were not appropriate because of the statute's exception for employers who have acted reasonably and in good faith.”
Resurrection Bay Auto Parts, Inc. v. Alder, 338 P.3d 305 (Alaska 2014).
Resurrection Bay Auto Parts, Inc. v. Alder (Alaska 2014).
— Alaska Stat. § 23.10.110(j) — 1 case
Alyeska Pipeline Serv. Co. v. Shook, 978 P.2d 86 (Alaska 1999).
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