TENS of thousands of University of California (UC) physician assistants, optometrists and other healthcare and custodial workers went on strike on Wednesday, alleging unfair labour practices and staffing shortages.

The strikes by two unions, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local (AFSCME) 3299 and the University Professional Technical Employees (UPTE) Local 9119, representing nearly 60,000 healthcare and service workers are separate and come after the unions and 10-campus university system failed to reach a new contract.

AFSCME Local 3299 represents about 37,000 employees, including respiratory therapists, pharmacy techs, mental health workers, custodians and gardeners.