Guards at the Hull Detention Centre briefly walked off the job Tuesday morning in an effort to get better wages and more vacation time.

About 50 guards gathered outside the St. Francois Street facility, blocking its entrance from just before 7 a.m. until 8:15 a.m.

The walk-out was in reaction to the latest contract offer from the Quebec government for guards across the province. They are unhappy with a pay gap between their force and provincial police.

The job action happened just hours after an overnight fire sent four guards and two inmates to hospital.

The fire began at about 1:15 a.m. after a cellblock mattress was set on fire. Four prison guards, who helped put out the blaze, and two inmates were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. 

The investigation into the fire is ongoing.