For 20 years, Charles Markie dedicated his life to helping some of the most vulnerable people in Dundee.
Working on the homelessness frontline for the Salvation Army, he guided people struggling to find accommodation and access essential services.
But after decades of service, one controversial remark has left him unemployed and in the middle of a public debate.
A Job Lost Over a Heated Comment
Mr. Markie, 56, was dismissed from his role at Strathmore Lodge, a Salvation Army hostel for migrants in Dundee, after telling colleagues, in frustration, that refugees “should be sent back on a boat.”
He also complained about a perceived housing shortage in the city due to an influx of migrants.
The comment came during a discussion about changes in Dundee City Council’s housing policy.
Mr. Markie said he was advocating for people who depended on local support networks, arguing that the new housing allocations made it difficult for some to access essential services.
Defending His Views
Speaking to the Daily Mail after an employment tribunal rejected his claims of unfair dismissal, Mr. Markie insisted he was not racist.
“One of the guys I work with daily is from South Korea,” he said.
“My friend from Turkey wanted to come to the tribunal with me. I have no affiliation with racist groups, and I treat all people equally.”
He stressed that his comments were about frustration with the system, not prejudice against migrants.
“I stood up for local people who were homeless and needed help. That’s what my comments were about, nothing else.”
Changing Demographics in Dundee
Over the past decade, Dundee has seen a significant increase in migrants and refugees.
Around 1,000 have settled in the city over five years, including more than 500 Ukrainians between 2022 and 2024, and about 250 from Syria, Iraq, and other conflict zones as part of resettlement schemes.
Mr. Markie said that when he first started, most residents were locals.
Over time, the influx of migrants added pressure to already stretched resources, making his role more challenging.
“I have supported hundreds of foreign residents over 20 years without any complaints about my behavior,” he noted.
Tribunal Findings and Dispute
The tribunal heard that Mr. Markie’s colleagues were shocked by his comment and viewed it as insensitive.
Management described his remarks as aggressive and deemed them incompatible with his responsibilities, which included helping refugees based on their individual needs.
Salvation Army service manager Karen Good concluded that he had committed gross misconduct and should be dismissed.
Mr. Markie denied saying some of the reported statements, including that he wanted all refugees removed, and maintained that his comments were directed at policy, not people.
He added that the incident was used as an excuse for his dismissal, which he believed stemmed from prior disagreements with management over poor leadership and lack of support.
The Personal Toll
The ordeal has taken a toll on Mr. Markie’s health and finances.
He is now signed off work long-term and unemployed. He expressed frustration at losing the tribunal case despite two decades of service without incident.
“I spent the last of my life savings hoping to win and get my job back, but I lost,” he said.
Despite everything, he still expressed respect for the Salvation Army as a charity and its mission to help the homeless.
His grievance is with the management at Strathmore Lodge, not the organization itself.
Looking Ahead
Mr. Markie admitted that he sometimes makes “stupid comments” but insists they are never meant to harm anyone.
He believes the situation reflects a broader issue of miscommunication and misunderstanding rather than racism, and hopes his experience sparks a discussion about how frontline workers are supported in challenging circumstances.
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