The Australian Leather and Allied Trades Employees' Federation (ALATEF) was an Australian

trade union A trade union (labor union in American English), often simply referred to as a union, is an organization of workers intent on "maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment", ch. I such as attaining better wages and benefits ( ...

that existed between 1945 and 1970. It represented workers employed in the preparation of

leather Leather is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hogs, ...

from hides, and the manufacture of a variety of leather and

canvas Canvas is an extremely durable plain-woven fabric used for making sails, tents, marquees, backpacks, shelters, as a support for oil painting and for other items for which sturdiness is required, as well as in such fashion objects as handbags ...

goods.

Establishment

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. 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.

Amalgamation

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. Despite approaching several unions in the textile and apparel industries, the union's reputation for militancy and its communist political leanings meant its advances were rebuffed. The union eventually reached an agreement in 1967 to amalgamate with the

Federated Miscellaneous Workers' Union The Federated Miscellaneous Workers' Union (F.M.W.U.), commonly known as the 'Missos', was an Australian trade union which existed between 1915 and 1992. It represented an extremely diverse and disparate range of occupations, but its core support ...

, FMWU, and ceased to exist in 1970. The successor to the FMWU,

United Voice United Voice was a large Australian trade union, with over 130,000 members. United Voice members worked in a wide range of occupations including hospitality, childcare, teachers' aides, aged care, property services (cleaning, security, maintenan ...

, continues to provide coverage for leather workers.

References

{{Reflist Trade unions established in 1945 Trade unions disestablished in 1970 Leather industry trade unions Defunct trade unions of Australia 1945 establishments in Australia 1970 disestablishments in Australia