(1) An employee aggrieved by a violation of this act may bring a civil action for appropriate injunctive relief or damages, or both, in the circuit court for the county where the alleged violation occurred or for the county where the employer against whom the action is filed is located or has its principal place of business.

  (2) A court shall award to a plaintiff who prevails in an action brought under this act damages of not less than $5,000.00.