290.240. 1. The department shall inquire diligently as toany violation of sections 290.210 to 290.340, shall instituteactions for penalties herein prescribed, and shall enforcegenerally the provisions of sections 290.210 to 290.340.
2. The department may establish rules and regulations forthe purpose of carrying out the provisions of sections 290.210 to290.340.
(L. 1957 p. 574 ยง 6, A.L. 1969 S.B. 142)(1997) Department is not authorized by statute to sue for back wages on behalf of workers. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations v. SKC Electric, Inc., 936 S.W.2d 802 (Mo.banc).