[2] The union represented all workers employed in footwear manufacturing in Australia.
[1] The ABTEF was formed through the amalgamation of several smaller state-based and craft unions in the footwear industry, such as the New South Wales Clickers' Association and the New South Wales Boot Operators and Rough Stuff Cutters' Union.
[2] The domestic footwear industry went into steep decline in the 1970s and 80s due to the removal of tariffs, and competition from cheap imported products from Asia.
[1] This led to a rapid decline in the Australian industry's workforce, and consequently the membership of the ABTEF.
[2] The new body also underwent amalgamation shortly thereafter to form the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia.