The beginnings of the ALATEF can be traced back to the founding of two organisations, the Australian Saddlery Trades Employees Federation and the Federated Tanners, Curriers and Leather Dressers Employees' Union of Australia.
[1] These unions merged in 1918 to form the Australian Saddlery and Leather Workers' Trades Employees' Federation.
Following several name changes, including the convoluted "Australian Saddlery, Leather, Sail, Canvas, Tanning, Leather Dressing and Allied Workers' Trades Employees' Federation", the union settled on its final name in 1945.
[1] The decline of the leather industry in Australia, as well as increased mechanisation, led to a reduced membership, and the union began seeking amalgamation with other unions.
[2] The successor to the FMWU, United Voice, continues to provide coverage for leather workers.