Hundreds of teamsters assembled for a picket line that became hostile outside wholesale food distribution company Sysco Boston, leading to at least 16 arrests, police said. According to the Plympton Police Department, more than 400 members of the union gathered outside the business at 99 Spring St., early Monday. Police said the teamsters blocked both entrances with their tractor-trailers. "For over two hours, we attempted to negotiate with the teamsters' picket line leaders while 100 employees inside the Sysco facility were unable to leave," Plympton police Chief Matthew Ahl wrote in a statement.Police said "approximately 16-20" people were ultimately arrested. WCVB photographers saw a massive law enforcement presence and multiple people being loaded into the back of a police van. Charges included disorderly conduct and assault and battery. "Unfortunately, we had to respond by removing members of the crowd who were inciting a hostile picket line," officials wrote. More than 300 Teamsters with Local 653 walked off the job on Oct. 1, just after their contract ended.Teamsters say union members were offered a "take-it-or-leave-it" deal with the company in their dispute over insurance, pension and wage disputes."Throughout the negotiations process, Sysco Boston has remained committed to achieving a competitive labor agreement for our employees and our Company. While we are disappointed in the Teamsters leadership's ongoing decision to have our employees out on strike without letting them vote, we respect their right to do so under the law," a Sysco spokesperson wrote in a statement on Monday. "What we can't respect is violence, disorderly conduct, intimidation, or threats, on or off the strike line, targeting our employees, vendors, customers, or the public. We appreciate the quick and effective response by our local authorities in bringing the incidents overnight under control, as well as the men and women committed to continuing to serve our customers and the community."