Ram Selvarajah Video Announcement
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“Like many of you, I've watched our union fight the same battles, spend millions on the same tactics, and get the same results. Meanwhile, your rent keeps rising, your grocery bill keeps climbing, and your paycheck keeps shrinking. OPSEU/SEFPO, we can't keep doing this.
For those of you I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting, I'm Ram Selvarajah, and I'm running to join OPSEU/SEFPO’s executive board. If I am successful at regionals, I'll be putting my name forward to become your First Vice-President/Treasurer.
Here’s a little about what you need to know about me – for 26 years I've been a member of OPSEU/SEFPO - holding roles you are familiar with, such as chief steward to the OPS bargaining table, from local president to protecting your pension as Vice-Chair of OPTrust.
Here's what makes me different: I build winning strategies, not social media moments. I get results through coalition-building and smart negotiation, not performance politics. And, if I’m successful, I’d also bring actual financial expertise and legal knowledge – gathered through my experience and education – to ensure every dollar of your dues delivers real value, not vanity projects.
My plan is clear: Get cost-of-living adjustments back in every contract - because if we're not keeping up with inflation, we're falling behind. Build coalitions that actually win - not just make momentary headlines. Modernize our systems so we can be a data-driven, effective organization.
I've been fortunate to serve on boards and lead councils representing workers, and I know that unions aren't built in boardrooms; they're built in break rooms, shop floors, and the places where the everyday members actually work.
So, while my experience gives me the tools, it is your reality that must set the agenda. That's why I'm launching State of Our Union virtual member calls twice a month. These calls are open to all OPSEU/SEFPO members across all locals and regions.
To be clear, this isn't me presenting solutions—it's you sharing with me the actual problems, which will play a key role in shaping both my campaign and, if successful, my term as your first VP and treasurer.
Your struggles aren't just stories to me; they’re my mandate as your union executive.
My fellow OPSEU/SEFPO members, we are in an unprecedented time, and we need to meet this moment to survive it. Across the province, there is an alarming pattern of Privatization of our public services, threats of Back-to-work legislation that is crushing our strikes, and Claims of 'no money' while billions flow to private companies.
The question we need to ask ourselves isn’t whether we'll fight back - it's if we'll choose to meet this moment and fight smart.
So, when you vote at convention this spring, remember we’re not just choosing leaders - we're choosing a path. Take the time now to get to know me, and equally importantly, help me know you
That is what is required if we want a union executive that gets disciplined about power: who has it, how to build it, and how to use it to force real wins, for all of us. That is what I commit to doing if successful.
Join me. Share your truth. Together, we can deliver – for workers, for OPSEU/SEFPO, for our future.”
