Times have been tough for progressives in the so-called ‘liberal welfare state’ countries, which are the focus of this book. Thankfully, there has been a great flourishing of new ideas in recent times and they hold promise, over time and with the backing of an electoral and social coalition, of influencing the foundations of employment and welfare. This contribution does not focus solely on the ‘big ideas’ for reform. Rather, it tries to account for actual signs of transformation that have taken place as a result of minimum wage reforms and living wage campaigns in many countries, perhaps most spectacularly in the conservative liberal welfare state of the US. These changes are starting to accumulate into something significant, challenging the orthodoxy about the ‘necessity’ of low minimum wages in an era of globalisation and technological change. As many have observed, on their own, higher minimum wage floors do not – and will not – resolve the failings of labour markets that are not regulated for 21st-century workplace organisation, the dynamics of household organisation, and the opportunities to exploit workers. Still, it is an open question whether improved minimums will spark greater mobilisation for broader progressive reforms that will benefit ordinary workers and revitalise the labour movement on which the health of democracy and broad potential for greater equality depend. The COVID-19 crisis has been a painful reminder of the fragility of life on our planet, of democratic institutions, and of the situation faced by many frontline and essential workers who have worked to keep societies going. As a colleague suggested, the pandemic is a reminder for everyone that the world only functions because of the daily activities of millions of people who are poorly paid.

Writing a book is both a solitary and collective exercise, the result of the assistance and insights of many others whose research in the areas of social policy, political science, and industrial relations have helped me greatly. I would like to acknowledge the wisdom and advice of the following people. Particular thanks go to Honorary Professor Joc Pixley of Macquarie University for her support and advice. I also greatly benefited from conversation with Professor John Miles of the University of Toronto when this project first began, and extend my gratitude to Associate Professor Rod Haddow and the Department of Political Science of the University of Toronto for hosting my stay in 2017.