ABOUT Ram
Ram Selvarajah is a father of two and husband who brings the same dedication to fighting for workers' families as he does to his own—because Ram knows that behind every union member is a household counting on us to deliver real wins, not just promises. Through 26 years in OPSEU/SEFPO—from chief steward to local president to the OPS bargaining table—he's never forgotten that union work is family work.
Ram’s Leadership Principles
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Bachelor of Arts (BA), Political Science — York University
Ram's degree gives him the analytical foundation to understand power structures, policy-making, and institutional strategy—skills he's applied across union organizing, board governance, and community coalition-building.Diploma in Accounting
This isn't just paper credentials—Ram has the financial literacy to read budgets, identify waste, and ensure your union dues are spent strategically, not performatively.Institute of Corporate Directors Designation (ICD.D)
Ram holds one of Canada's most respected governance certifications. This means he's trained in fiduciary responsibility, risk management, and board-level decision-making—the stuff that separates serious leaders from figureheads.Licensed Paralegal
Ram understands labour law, contracts, and legal strategy from the inside. When negotiations get technical or fights get legal, he's not learning on the job—he already knows the terrain.Lifelong learner
Ram completed the Member Development Trainee (MDT) program and has worked as a temporary OPSEU Staff Representative. He's also earned IT certifications throughout his 25+ years as a systems analyst. Translation: he doesn't stop studying, doesn't stop adapting, doesn't stop upgrading his capacity to serve. -
Strategic organizing, not performative activism
Ram builds coalitions that win—not social media moments that fade. He's the behind-the-scenes strategist who understands power mapping, stakeholder alignment, and how to move people toward collective action.Financial governance and accountability
As Vice-Chair of the OPTrust Board (managing OPSEU members' pensions) and a trained accountant with corporate director credentials, Ram knows how to steward millions responsibly. He can read a balance sheet, spot inefficiencies, and hold leadership accountable for spending decisions.Labour relations and collective bargaining
26 years as an OPSEU member. Roles spanning chief steward, local VP, local president, bargaining team member, and currently on the OPS Unified bargaining table. Ram's walked the picket line, sat across from management, and negotiated real gains for workers.Cross-sector coalition-building
As President of the Peel Regional Labour Council (representing over 50,000 workers), Ram brings together unions from different sectors, different politics, different priorities—and gets them working toward shared wins. That's not easy. That's expertise.Systems thinking and modernization
25+ years as a Senior Systems Analyst with the Ontario Public Service (Ministry of the Solicitor General). Ram understands how outdated systems create bottlenecks, waste resources, and demoralize members. He's built solutions—and he'll bring that lens to union infrastructure.Community engagement and equity leadership
Active member of the Tamil Workers Network Steering Committee. United Way Greater Toronto Board of Trustees. Ram shows up for marginalized communities, builds capacity where it's needed most, and doesn't treat equity work as a photo op. -
EXPERIENCE
Union Leadership (26 years with OPSEU)
Chief Steward — Represented members in workplace disputes, grievances, and disciplinary actions
Local Vice President — Supported local leadership and mobilization efforts
Local President — Led local union operations, member engagement, and strategic planning
Bargaining Team Member — Currently serves on the OPS Unified Bargaining Team, fighting for contract improvements for Ontario Public Service workers
Mobilizer — Organized members for campaigns, strikes, and political action
Member Development Trainee (MDT) & Temporary Staff Rep — Trained in union education and served in staff capacity
Ministry Employee Relations Committee — Represented workers in employer-union relations
Joint Insurance Benefits Review Committee — Advocated for fair and accessible benefits for members
Labour Movement Leadership
President, Peel Regional Labour Council (2022–present)
Elected in 2019 to the board, then as President in 2022. Represents over 50,000 workers across multiple unions in Peel Region. Coordinates cross-union campaigns, labour solidarity actions, and community-labour partnerships.Pension Governance
Vice-Chair, OPTrust Board of Trustees
OPTrust manages the pension fund for OPSEU members—billions of dollars in retirement security. Ram's role on the board means he's overseeing investment strategy, fiduciary responsibility, and ensuring your pension is protected and growing.Community and Social Justice Leadership
Board of Trustees, United Way Greater Toronto
Ram serves on the board of one of Canada's largest community-focused charities, working on poverty reduction, social services, and community investment strategies.Tamil Workers Network Steering Committee
Active member supporting labour organizing, worker rights, and equity for Tamil and South Asian workers in Ontario.Professional Career
Senior Systems Analyst, Ontario Public Service (25+ years)
Currently works with the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Ram's spent over two decades analyzing systems, identifying inefficiencies, and building solutions that work. He brings that same lens to union operations—because outdated systems hurt members.
