Unions and Detroit pension funds are back in court to try to persuade a judge to allow them to appeal a decision that lets the city fix itself in bankruptcy.

They want Judge Steven Rhodes to put the Dec. 3 decision on a fast track to a federal appeals court in Cincinnati. A hearing is set for Monday.

Lawyers for emergency manager Kevyn Orr say it's more appropriate to file an appeal when the case is over. Unions, retirees and pension funds say Rhodes was wrong to find Detroit eligible for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection.

They're especially disappointed that the judge will allow pension cuts. Detroit says pension plans are underfunded by $3.5 billion.

Orr hopes to file an $18 billion reorganization plan by January.