Wouldn’t eliminating state liquor stores also eliminate state union jobs?
Between 800 and 900 workers are employed through the state’s liquor stores. It would largely be up to the state to determine whether those employees are laid off or placed elsewhere in the state agency. Conversely, the private sector is expected to see new job growth with the spirits industry and market is made open to them. The initiative allows for state workers displaced by liquor sales reform to go through retraining. The Washington State Liquor Control Board has long had issues with state liquor store jobs and its workforce, which have become a strain on the state. The board’s Strategic Plan for FY 2009-11 listed several areas of concern requiring attention.
