A Salvation Army worker who told colleagues refugees should be sent back “on a f***ing boat” has lost his bid to overturn his sacking. An employment tribunal in Dundee ruled his dismissal was fair – even after nearly 20 years on the job.
Outrage Over Shocking Refugee Slurs
Charles Markie, 56, worked at Strathmore Lodge in Dundee – a Salvation Army hostel supporting migrants and the homeless. His role was to help vulnerable people, including refugees. But in March 2024, Markie blew his top over new council housing plans and let rip with vile comments.
He told colleagues: “There wouldn’t be a housing shortage if we weren’t taking in 150 refugees.” Then he snapped: “Send them all back on a f***ing boat.” When asked if this included a Syrian refugee staying at the hostel, he replied: “Yes, the lot of them.”
Tribunal Backs Salvation Army’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
Staff were outraged by Markie’s racist rant and reported him immediately. His manager gave him an informal warning, but Markie moaned that they “couldn’t even joke or take part in banter.”
His words sparked a disciplinary hearing led by service manager Karen Good, who ruled they amounted to gross misconduct.
Judge James Hendry blasted Markie’s cruelty. “Colleagues were shocked. His comments showed complete insensitivity towards those they were duty bound to help,” he said.
The judge ruled the Salvation Army was right to sack him. Markie’s claims of unfair dismissal, sex discrimination, and harassment were all thrown out.
Nearly 20 Years’ Service No Excuse for Hate Speech
Markie claimed he wasn’t racist, saying he had “foreign friends” and the remarks were just “his personal opinion” and “banter.” The tribunal wasn’t having it.
His offensive language directly clashed with the charity’s mission to care for refugees and migrants. Two decades of service meant nothing when weighed against words “colleagues found shocking” and “displaying complete insensitivity.”
Warning to All Charity Staff: Racism Isn’t Banter
This ruling sends a clear message: workers with vulnerable groups must live up to their employer’s values. Freedom of speech offers no cover for racist or hostile views that harm professional duties.
Markie’s claims of unfair treatment were firmly rejected. The Salvation Army acted by the book throughout.
