Opening arguments began Wednesday in a trial set to determine the outcome of Detroit’s bankruptcy filing, the largest by a municipality in U.S. history. The trial pits the city and state government against thousands of current and former city employees whose pensions and medical benefits face major cuts. As the hearing began, hundreds of demonstrators rallied outside the courtroom.

Protester: “It makes me feel as if I’m irrelevant, insignificant and my voice just — it just doesn’t matter. So we have to get out and show support for those who have been unjustly treated in this whole bankruptcy scheme.”

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is among the public officials expected to testify during the multi-day trial.