Coronation Street's Maria faces an unexpected new challenge

Coronation Street spoilers follow.

Coronation Street's Maria Connor finds herself in a tricky negotiation next week after discovering that she has inadvertently caused a strike.

The local councillor has been making positive changes in Weatherfield, taking a stand by putting green issues at the top of the agenda.

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In next week's episodes, Maria realises that her decision to change the local recycling collections has had unintended consequences.

Maria has brought in extra bins and new collections to make sure that recycling and environmental issues are a top priority for the local community.

samia longchambon as maria connor in coronation street

ITV

However, Maria confides in her husband Gary about how the recycling collectors are now going on strike because of the extra workload.

Maria gives herself a hard time following the news, declaring that the strike is all her fault.

Later in the week, Maria takes positive action by meeting with a team leader from the refuse workers' depot.

Maria confirms that she's willing to push for the workers to be given a pay rise, admitting that it's only fair because of their extra duties now the new recycling bins have been brought in.

ITV

Maria hopes that it's enough to end the strike and get everyone back to work, but her troubles may only be beginning.

Corrie fans saw Maria's passion for environmental issues begin last year when she discovered that her son Liam has asthma.

This led to Maria becoming concerned about the amount of pollution in the Weatherfield area and how it could be affecting Liam.

maria connor, gary windass, coronation street

ITV

Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria, said at the time: "It's great to see feisty Maria back, we haven't seen her for a while.

"It's really fun and it's a different side to her that we haven't seen before. She's usually fighting over a man, but this time she's fighting for her son and she's definitely prepared to play the over-protective parent."

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV and streams on the ITV Hub.