The article in The Loyolan by Chris Benis sums up the situation much more eloquently than I ever could so here are some excerpts:

"For the many students who know Albert McCoon, he is a campus fixture that requires no introduction. McCoon works diligently to keep the crosswalk between Lawton Plaza and Palm Walk moving at a safe and steady rate, 55 hours per week, rain or shine. There’s only one problem — McCoon makes only $16.78 an hour for his service, and his requests for a raise from his contractor have been frequently denied. Unless something changes soon, he plans to leave LMU."

"LMU does not determine third-party workers' pay; instead, third-party workers make as much as their direct employer decides they make. Because McCoon is directly contracted by PCA and not the University, he was not affected by a landmark raise in wages for LMU’s Facilities Management workers last October, excluding him from the benefits of that particular victory."

"As for LMU’s role in all of this, McCoon is asking the University to step in and help. “I would ask them to fight harder with my company. Even though it’s a small percentage, they could [negotiate] with the company to help me to get a raise.” "

"Suffice it to say that McCoon is a campus fixture, and LMU lives by a code of mutual respect and care. While McCoon has enjoyed his warm reception on the Bluff, smiles only go so far in Los Angeles — especially when financially supporting a family is at stake. If a raise isn’t granted within the near future, then LMU will have lost a friendly face for good."

Link to full article: https://www.laloyolan.com/news/exclusive-crossing-guard-albert-mccoon-considers-leaving-lmu-over-low-pay/article_538b4333-28fd-548c-b89e-32144cb78a83.html