 In the 1970s and 1980s the number of workers employed in the Australian textile industry declined significantly due to automation, and increased competition from foreign goods, due to tariff reductions.This led to a decrease in the membership of the ATWU, and the union began seeking amalgamation with other trade unions in the apparel industry.In 1987 the union finalised amalgamation with the Australian Boot Trade Employees' Federation, creating the Amalgamated Footwear and Textile Workers' Union of Australia.