CORRESPONDENCE - 85A COMBINED REPORTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN VIETNAM 2012

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VIETNAM ii The VGCL reported 981 strikes during the year. The main reason for the high number of strikes - -more than double the number in 2010- -was reportedly the negative impact of high inflation on workers' living conditions. The majority of these strikes occurred in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces in foreign - invested enterprises (mainly South Korean and Taiwanese companies). None of the strikes followed the authorized conciliation and arbitration process and thus were considered illegal, "wildcat" strikes. The government tolerated these strikes and not only took no action against the strikers but on occasion also actively mediated agreements in the workers' favor. In some cases the government disciplined employers, especially with foreign -owned companies, for the illegal practices that led to strikes. There were credible reports that employers tended to use short -term or probationary contracts to avoid certain legally mandated worker benefits, such as unemployment insurance, or to inhibit workers from joining unions. b. Prohibition of Forced or Compulsory Labor The law prohibits forced and compulsory labor, except as defined by administrative or criminal penalties. Nonetheless, according to government and NGO reports, forced labor of adults and children occurred (see section7.c.). There were reports from credible NGOs that the government, especially the Ministry of Public Security, increased efforts to prevent forced labor, and the government reported criminal prosecutions for forced labor during the reporting period. In response to reports of forced labor on domestic coffee plantations, Lam Dong Province authorities issued a directive in November calling for increased inspections and stricter punishments against illegal labor brokers who offered jobs on coffee plantations. Prisoners convicted by courts routinely were required to work for little or no pay. Authorities routinely required individuals, detained under administrative decree in reeducation centers and detention centers for sex workers and drug users, to work for little or no pay under administrative and legislative regulations. They produced food and other goods used directly in prisons or sold on local markets, reportedly to purchase items for their personal use. There were credible reports that private companies hired individuals in drug detention centers. There was also information that suggested workers in centers for social and educational rehabilitation were engaged in agriculture (growing rice and