? Union leaders for NYPD officers are voicing concern over low wages they say have forced some rookies to apply for food stamps.

The most recent contract negotiations included a pay cut for new officers in the Bronx and across the city. The starting salary is now $25,100. Patrolman?s Benevolent Association (PBA) President Patrick Lynch says it?s a disgrace that officers with families have problems putting food on the table.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg counters that the PBA pushed for the new contract, which included raises for upper-level officers while ?taking away $10,000 from rookies.? Bloomberg also claims guaranteed overtime pay will boost salaries to $35,000.