(a) It is unlawful to interfere with or hinder the Department of Labor in the performance of its duties under this chapter, or knowingly to give false information to the Department of Labor. Any person who is found to have violated the provisions of this subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 for each such violation.
(b) Any employer who employs or permits a minor to work in violation of any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each such violation.
(c) Any employer who discharges or in any manner discriminates against an employee because the employee:
(1) Has made a complaint or has given information to the Department pursuant to this chapter; or
(2) Has caused to be instituted, or is about to cause to be instituted, any proceeding pursuant to this chapter; or
(3) Has testified, has promised to testify or is about to testify in any proceeding pursuant to this chapter shall be assessed a civil penalty of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 for each violation.
(d) A civil penalty claim may be filed in any court of competent jurisdiction. The Department shall not be required to pay the filing fee or other costs of the action or fees of any nature to file bond or other security of any nature in connection with such action or with proceedings supplementary thereto or as a condition precedent to the availability to the Department of any process in aid of such action or proceedings. The Department shall have the power to join various claimants in 1 preferred claim or lien and, in case of suit, to join them in 1 cause of action.