; or (ii) subsection (b) or (c) of section 204 shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount to be determined by the Secretary, but not to be less than $1,100, or more than $5,000, per violation (subject to subparagraph (B)). (B) Inflation The Secretary shall, for each year beginning with calendar year 2024, increase the minimum and maximum amounts for the penalties described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) by a percentage equal to the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, published by the Department of Labor, between December 2023 and the December prior to the year for which the increase takes effect. (C) Willful violation For purposes of this section, an employer willfully violates a provision of section 204 when, after taking into account all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the violation, it is determined that the employer— (i) knew that its conduct was prohibited by such section; or (ii) showed reckless disregard for the requirements of such section. (4) Civil action (A) In general The Secretary may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction on behalf of aggrieved employees to— (i) restrain violations of this title; (ii) obtain such equitable relief as may be appropriate, including employment, reinstatement, and promotion