The elected leaders of Local 1033 understand the importance of fighting for the rights of our members to have fair wages and good working conditions through the collective bargaining process - at all levels of government.
Ronald R. Coia, Esq. – Business Manager
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.
Vicki Virgilio – President
Vicki Virgilio became a member of Local Union 1033 in 1978 when she began working for the city of Providence as a Legal Secretary in the City Solicitor’s Office. Shortly thereafter, she became a Union Steward and along with 1,000 other Local Union 1033 City employees, she walked the picket lines in several labor strikes in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. In 1986, Vicki became the Recording Secretary of Local Union 1033 as well as a Trustee of The RI Public Employees’ Health Services Fund.
In 1991, Vicki left the City Solicitor’s Office to work as Employee Benefits Coordinator in the Personnel Department for the City of Providence.
Vicki remained the Recording Secretary of Local Union 1033 until 1998. She became President of Local Union 1033 upon the untimely death of her father, Joe Virgilio. Vicki has also served as a Trustee for The RI Public Employees’ Legal Services Fund for over 25 years and The RI Public Employees’ Training Fund since its creation several years ago.
Vicki was appointed by General Secretary-Treasurer Armand E. Sabitoni to serve on the Women’s and Minority Caucus of the Laborers’ International Union of North America. She also serves as a Delegate to the RI Central Federated Council and The Laborers’ District Council.
Although Vicki’s membership in Local Union 1033 officially began in 1978, her involvement with Local Union 1033 dates back to her childhood when from the age of eight she would accompany her father to organizing meetings, union election campaigns, rallies, and demonstrations. From a very young age, she was a part of Local Union 1033 and she knew she wanted to be involved with the good work her father was doing fighting for employees’ job protection, working conditions, benefits and fair wages.
Betty Jackson - Vice President
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.
Vincent R. Masino – Recording Secretary
Vincent Masino joined Local Union 1033 in 1970 as an employee of the City of Providence Traffic Engineering Department. Brother Masino began his career working nights painting crosswalks and striping streets while he attended Bryant University, where in 1971 he received his B.S. in Business Management.
Subsequent to graduation, Vincent continued his employment with the Traffic Engineering Department until 1972 when he became a Field Auditor with the Laborers’ International Union of North America, responsible for auditing affiliated locals in New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Eastern Canada.
In 1993, he was promoted to International Representative and then to the Assistant Regional Manager position in March of 1997. Elected as an International Vice President in May of 2001, Vice President Masino serves as Recording Secretary for our Local 1033 of Providence, additionally Trustee of the New England Laborers’ Training Trust Fund, Trustee of the New England Laborers’ Labor-Management Cooperation Trust, Trustee of the New England Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund, and Chairman of the Laborers’ New England Region Organizing Fund.
Timothy P. Walsh - Secretary-Treasurer
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.
Rikkie Maccarone
Richard Vespia
