(a) A person may not discharge or in any way discriminate against an employee because the employee has: (i) filed a complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under this Act, (ii) testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding, or (iii) exercised, on his or her own behalf or on behalf of another person, any right afforded by this Act, including reporting potential violations of this Act to a member of management with authority to address the concerns.
     (b) An employee who believes that he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by an employer in violation of this Section may, within 30 calendar days after the violation occurs, file a complaint with the Director alleging the discrimination.
     (c) Upon receipt of the complaint, the Director shall cause an investigation to be made as the Director deems appropriate. After the investigation, if the Director determines that the employer has violated this Section, the Director shall bring an action in the circuit court for appropriate relief, including rehiring or reinstatement of the employee to his or her former position with back pay, after taking into account any interim earnings of the employee. In such matters the Director shall be represented by the Attorney General.