AbstractThis introduction provides a rationale for the special issue on the contribution of Richard Hyman to the study of industrial relations.KeywordsRichard HymanMarxismworkersunionsindustrial relationsGet full access to this articleView all access options for this article.Get accessReferences1. Frege C Kelly J McGovern P (2011) Richard Hyman: Marxism, trade unionism and comparative employment relations. British Journal of Industrial Relations 49(2): 209–230.