The union was formed in 1915 and registered in 1916 originally bringing together three State unions: the Passenger and Goods Lift Attendants' Union of New South Wales (1909), the Watchmen, Caretakers and Cleaners' Union of New South Wales (1910), and the Watchmen, Caretakers and Male Office Cleaners' Union of Victoria (1913). It amalgamated with over 50 unions in its long history including unions representing billiard markers, undertakers' assistants, hairdressers, watchmakers, dental technicians, photographic employees, ambulance employees, and sailmakers. Its final amalgamation was with the Federated Liquor and Allied Industries Employees' Union of Australia to form the Australian Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers' Union in 1992.

The Australian Leather and Allied Trades Employees' Federation began as the federally-registered union, the Australian Saddlery Trades Employees' Federation in 1908. The original union changed its name several times to incorporate tanners, curriers, sailmakers and tentmakers. The union amalgamated with the Federated Miscellaneous Workers' Union in 1967 and was deregistered in 1972.

Further research is needed to establish the dates for this union. The Milling, Baking, Cooking and Allied Trades Employees' Union of Queensland was succeeded by the Amalgamated Foodstuffs and Allied Industries Union of Queensland which amalgamated with the Federated Miscellaneous Workers' Union in 1968.

The Federated Jewellers, Watchmakers and Allied Trades Union of Australia was formed in 1912 following a change of name from the Federated Jewellers' Union of Australia. In 1975 the Union was deregistered. Many of its members, however, went on to join the Amalgamated Metal Workers' Union.