A worker from Network Rail has successfully won a case regarding racial harassment after a colleague placed an anti-Islam leaflet from the English Defence League (EDL) in his locker.
Parmjit Bassi, who does not identify as Muslim, was determined to be a victim of racial discrimination when a coworker inserted an EDL pamphlet in his locker. The leaflet provocatively questioned what actions individuals were taking to safeguard their children from Islam.
Additionally, Bassi faced allegations related to a notorious stabbing incident, as colleagues left a newspaper clipping about a knife attack in his locker. Based at the Eastleigh depot in Hampshire, Bassi is now set to receive compensation after prevailing in a legal battle against Network Rail at an employment tribunal.
The tribunal found that, although Bassi is not a Muslim, the incidents constituted “clear slights” against his racial identity. The tribunal criticized Network Rail management for their “laissez-faire attitude” regarding the situation.
During the hearing in Southampton, it was revealed that Bassi’s interactions with his coworkers were fraught with tension. In November 2018, he discovered a leaflet in his boots stored in his locker. The EDL-produced pamphlet sought to instill fear regarding Islam, and although Bassi does not practice the religion, the tribunal concluded it aimed to demean him racially and failed to differentiate between him and Muslims.
Bassi expressed shock upon finding the leaflet and conveyed concern over the lack of follow-up action from management.
The tribunal remarked that Network Rail’s indifferent response was difficult to understand, and Bassi’s manager acknowledged that a more proactive approach should have been taken.
It was stated that it should have been evident that Bassi was being marginalized and that intervention was necessary. The tribunal described the act of placing the leaflet in Bassi’s boot as a significant indicator of hostility from his colleagues, conveying a clear racial message.
The tribunal emphasized that the content of the leaflet, which addressed perceived threats from Islam—unrelated to Bassi’s beliefs—did not mitigate the severity of the situation. Bassi was unfairly grouped with those the leaflet targeted and subjected to racial harassment as part of a broader campaign by one or more colleagues.
This situation represented the first time race was prominently featured in the evidence presented. The tribunal criticized the lack of action taken, labeling it as weak management that only emboldened the aggressors at Bassi’s expense.
In an effort to escape the hostile work environment, Bassi took some annual leave. However, upon his return in January, he again faced racial harassment. He found two copies of a national newspaper with the headline “Knifed Nine Times,” along with a note that read, “It was Parm,” one of which was located in a kitchen drawer and the other in his boot.
The tribunal noted that Bassi’s manager had sent him home on full pay to ensure his welfare and later transferred him to a different team without consulting him. Although Bassi continued to seek a more suitable position, he struggled in his role and was ultimately dismissed in April 2021.
He appealed the dismissal, but the decision was upheld. Subsequently, Bassi took his case to the Southampton employment tribunal, where he successfully proved claims of racial harassment and unfair dismissal against Network Rail.
