An employer may not discharge, refuse to hire, discipline or otherwise discriminate against an employee because of action by the department under this chapter. An employer who violates this section is subject to a fine of up to $5,000 payable to the State to be recovered in a civil action. The employer is also subject to an action by the employee for compensatory and punitive damages, plus attorney's fees and court costs.   [PL 1993, c. 654, §1 (NEW).]