Private Equity Impacts on Washington Workers
October 20, 2026
And how the state’s pension system could be part of the solution
A new report from the Private Equity Stakeholder Project examines how private equity investments are affecting Washington workers and the role the state’s pension system could play in addressing these risks.
The Washington State Investment Board (WSIB), which manages $185 billion in retirement assets for 900,000 beneficiaries, invests 54% of its portfolio in private markets, well above the 31% average among peer funds.
The report highlights labor concerns, workplace safety violations, and bankruptcies involving private equity-backed companies operating in Washington, including Compassus, Windmill Farms, Grimmway Farms, Albertsons, Eddie Bauer, and Joann.
It also examines the financial risks facing the private equity industry and calls on WSIB to adopt a responsible workforce management policy to strengthen oversight, protect workers, and safeguard retirement investments.
Read the full report below:
