Guards from the Niagara Detention Centre are rallying at Queen's Park Monday in support of Hamilton Detention correctional officers.

Hamilton guards have been off the job for over a week over what they call a health & safety issue.

Guards were ordered to search cells after a piece of metal went missing at the jail.  They were told not to strap on their protective vests because they could provoke violence.

OPSEU says until they're allowed to protect themselves, guards won't be doing their regular duties.  The union is hoping for a meeting with Minister of Community Safety & Correctional Services.

Last week, guards in Thorold & at other Ontario jails wore vests to show solidarity with their Hamilton counterparts.

OPSEU says Ontario jails are also dealing with a staff shortage.  At the Niagara Detention Centre, cooks are sometimes filling in for guards.