Controversial plans to reclassify public transport services as “essential” are expected to be approved by MPs today when the Labour Relations Amendment Act 2014 gets its second reading in the House of Assembly.

The legislation was drafted following a series of wildcat strikes by unionised public transport workers earlier this year, which left tourists and visitors stranded. Under the proposal, transport workers will have to give 21 days notice before striking.

And an Opposition Progressive Labour Party bill to decriminalise the possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana will also get a second reading, although Government is expected to block the legislation after describing it as “reckless”.

Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley is scheduled to deliver a statement on the National Drug Control Master Plan and Action Plan, while Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell will give a presentation on his recent trip to London to open a Bermuda Registry of Shipping office in the UK capital.

And Shadow Immigration and External Affairs Minister Walton Brown will ask Parliamentary colleagues to “note of the historic losses in Bermuda of citizens’ property through theft of property, dispossession of property and adverse possession claims; and be it resolved that this Honourable House calls on His Excellency the Governor to establish a Commission of Inquiry into all such known claims and to determine, where possible, the viability of any such claims and make recommendations for any victims of wrongful action to receive compensation and justice.”