Penalties and Records Retention

Any employer who hinders the Division of Labor Standards’ performance of duties in the enforcement of the law by any of the acts listed in, (see Section 290.525 RSMo), is guilty of a class C misdemeanor.

An employee may bring any legal action necessary to collect wages owed. An employer who pays an employee wages less than what is due under the law shall be liable for the full amount of the wage rate and an additional equal amount as liquidated damages, less any amount actually paid, and for costs and such reasonable attorney fees as may be allowed by the court or jury (see Section 290.527 RSMo to read more about statute of limitations).

Retention Period

Employers must keep a record of the name, address, and job description of each employee, the rate of pay, the amount paid each pay period, and the number of hours worked each day and each workweek (see Section 290.520 RSMo). These records must be kept for a period of no less than three years. The records shall be open for inspection by the Missouri Division of Labor Standards.