After graduating from Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Suffolk University Law School with a Juris Doctorate, Ron Coia, a third generation Laborer, joined Local Union 1033 in 1996 and began serving as its Field Representative and Legal Counsel. In 1998, Ron’s service expanded when he took on the position of Business Manager of Local 226, and as an Executive Board member of the Rhode Island Laborers’ District Council (RILDC). In 2005, Ron was appointed to the office of Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer of the RILDC, continuing to serve as Business Manager of Local 226.
Ron returned to Local Union 1033 in 2012 in the capacity of Business Manager. In addition to his duties as Business Manager, Ron also serves as the Chairman of the R.I. Public Employees Benefit Funds, President of the R.I. Public Employees Political Action Committee, President of the R.I. Public Employees Education Political Action Committee, President of the RILDC, Executive Board member of the R.I. AFL-CIO, Board Member of the Institute for Labor Studies and Research, and Vice President of the Providence Central Federated Labor Council. Brother Coia also serves the International Union as a member of the Public Employees Steering Committee, assisting members all across our great International Union.
As a practicing attorney with over 20 years experience representing LIUNA members across the State of Rhode Island, Ron is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association and the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee.
Ron lives in North Providence with his two children and wife Flora, a 25-year member of Local 1033.
Tim Walsh became a 1033 member in 1987, when he began his career as a water plant mechanic at the Providence Water Supply Board. Throughout his 28-year career at PWSB, he has served as both a steward and was initially appointed to the executive board by the late Joe Virgilio. Today he continues to serve as a steward for PWSB handling grievance and contract issues for members. In addition to those duties, Tim became Secretary-Treasurer for Local 1033 in 2014, stepping into that role on the executive board and is now responsible for the day-to-day financial responsibilities of the Local.
Sought out for his years of experience as an advocate for workers rights and his ability to work with both employees and management alike, Tim has also been asked to serve our members as a Trustee on the Rhode Island Public Employees’ Health Services Fund, the Rhode Island Public Service Employees’ Legal Service Plan and as a Delegate to the RI Laborers District Council.
Betty Jackson has been an active member of Local 1033 for over 40 years. One of the original Local 1033 members, she has been instrumental in the growth of the Local from 100 para-professionals to more than two thousand members representing numerous occupations in municipalities across the state. Now retired from her position as a K-6 Paraprofessional in the Providence School system, she continues to help members as a Training Liaison with the Rhode Island Public Employees Training Fund.
Betty has served in many capacities, including as an elected official representing the union on the City of Providence Retirement Board for over 18 years. Today as Local 1033’s Vice-President, our members continue to look to her for her vast experience as a champion of workers rights as well as for her wise counsel and optimistic outlook when seeking advice on career advancement opportunities.
