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.