[1] The union represented workers employed in manufacturing rubber, plastic, electrical cable, adhesive and abrasive products in Australia.
[1] The Federated Rubber and Allied Workers' Union was formed in 1909 and achieved registration in 1911 as the Rubber Workers' Union of Australia.
[3] Membership rose during the following decades, reaching 5150, of which 2,750 were employed in New South Wales and 2,400 in Victoria.
[2] The union's membership was principally in the footwear and automotive industries, and membership decreased as these industries restructured in the late 20th century.
[3] This body then merged with several other small unions in 1991 to form the National Union of Workers, which continues to provide representation for workers employed in the rubber industry.