(TheRepublic) - The union representing 3,500 employees of Pennsylvania's state-owned liquor stores announced Tuesday that they have ratified a new labor contract that runs through mid-2015, igniting a debate over the workers' rights if ongoing efforts to privatize the liquor and wine trade are successful. One union leader said the pact requires any private companies that take over all or any portion of liquor and wine sales to hire displaced state-store employees and to adhere to contract provisions covering salaries, health insurance and pension benefits.