I have posted maybe 300 or so images on the South Bend, Indiana FB history site. It is quite common to receive responses to the effect that Studebaker screwed their workers out of their pensions (54 years ago). I have tried in a tactful manner to relate that that was not the case. But still the comments continue. So I posted this message (below in italic) tonight on that site along with the article that I am posting here. Just thought some might have an interest.
Studebaker and the Pension issue - I have posted over 300 images here in the past few years. Some, maybe most, had a Studebaker connection. On occasion I will receive one or more comments re Studebaker’s failure to live up to their pension obligations when the plant closed in 1963. Sad to say after 54 years many still hold a grudge. Even my recent innocuous post re the employee publication The Studebaker Spotlight generated three such negative responses. I am not inclined to respond to every negative comment but feel an obligation to set the record straight when some who may not be privy to all the information make mis-informed statements. However for those who are really interested in the facts I submit the article below that appeared in the December 8, 1973 issue of the Michiana section of the South Bend Tribune. The article, I believe, explains about as succinctly as possible the facts related to the issue. I have removed paragraph four and enlarged it for special emphasis. I doubt that it will heal any wounds or appease everyone but maybe help some understand better the true facts re the unfortunate pension issue. R. Quinn
Studebaker and the Pension issue - I have posted over 300 images here in the past few years. Some, maybe most, had a Studebaker connection. On occasion I will receive one or more comments re Studebaker’s failure to live up to their pension obligations when the plant closed in 1963. Sad to say after 54 years many still hold a grudge. Even my recent innocuous post re the employee publication The Studebaker Spotlight generated three such negative responses. I am not inclined to respond to every negative comment but feel an obligation to set the record straight when some who may not be privy to all the information make mis-informed statements. However for those who are really interested in the facts I submit the article below that appeared in the December 8, 1973 issue of the Michiana section of the South Bend Tribune. The article, I believe, explains about as succinctly as possible the facts related to the issue. I have removed paragraph four and enlarged it for special emphasis. I doubt that it will heal any wounds or appease everyone but maybe help some understand better the true facts re the unfortunate pension issue. R. Quinn
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