Nothing contained in this Division I shall be in any way construed to limit or abridge any rights possessed by any employee at common law, by statute, or by ordinance to bring a civil action to redress underpayments of wages. Any employee who is aggrieved by underpayment or other violations of this Division I shall be entitled to bring such an action, and to recover therein such costs and reasonable counsel fees as the Court may allow. Any agreement between such employee and his employer to work for less than the minimum wage prescribed therein is invalid and shall be no defense to such action. Proceedings before the Wage Commission shall not be considered a precondition to such civil action. City Code, 1966, art. 19, §60 1976/83, art. 19, §70B Ord. 64-370 Ord. 70-798 Ord. 78-778 Ord. 90-601