A court, in rendering a judgment in an action brought pursuant to this chapter, may order reinstatement of this employee, the payment of back wages, full reinstatement of fringe benefits and seniority rights or any combination of these remedies. A court may also award the prevailing party all or a portion of the costs of litigation, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and witness fees, if the court determines that the award is appropriate. [PL 1985, c. 167 (NEW).]