The ‘frames of reference’ concept has been a significant and enduring feature of industrial/employment relations since being developed by Alan Fox; and yet there has been only limited scholarly research seeking to develop the frames. We introduce this special issue by reviewing the extant literature on frames which provides a backdrop to the five article contributions that explore the frames in both new and historical light. The special issues ask the following questions: Do the traditional frames continue to provide insights into the perceptions and behaviour of employers and employees? If not, how might existing frames be broadened by new (or indeed historical) developments and insights? A re-examination of frames of reference is both important and timely given the many changes currently impacting work and employment. Our hope is that by reflecting on and celebrating the influence of Alan Fox on our thinking, we can also chart a forward-looking research agenda that continues to use his insights and apply them to the field as well as developing and continuing to engage with them.

自艾伦·福克斯（Alan Fox）提出以来，“参照系”概念一直是工业/雇佣关系的重要而持久的特征。然而，仅有有限的学术研究试图开发框架。我们通过回顾有关框架的现有文献来介绍这一特殊问题，该文献为以新的和历史的视角探讨框架的五篇文章提供了背景。特殊问题提出以下问题：传统框架是否继续提供有关雇主和雇员的观念和行为的见解？如果不是，如何通过新的（或实际上是历史上的）发展和见识来扩展现有框架？鉴于目前影响工作和就业的许多变化，重新审查参考框架既重要又及时。