Staff from a popular theatre restaurant in Melbourne's inner west claim they are owed thousands of dollars despite shows selling out on a weekly basis when the venue is open.  

Titanic Williamstown promises patrons "a voyage you'll never forget" with their "famous Saturday-night Titanic Dinner & Show", but union Hospo Voice alleges at least four performers who bring the "magical memories" to life are still waiting to be paid weeks after their invoices were due.

Hospitality workers at the Titanic said they had not been paid any superannuation for the past financial year and had to consistently chase up wages.

Manager Louis Nguyen, who took over the venue in 2020, told the ABC he may owe "one or two" performers money.

He said he would have to talk to his accountant to see if superannuation had been paid.

"I'm not interested to answer any questions further," he said.

Staff 'have to chase pay'

Performer Mareesa Ballao claims she is waiting to be paid $750 for invoices she sent on June 19 and July 10 despite following up with Mr Nguyen on multiple occasions.

Due to the current COVID lockdown, Ms Ballao has lost all of her hospitality and performance income, except one 30-minute Zoom class each week.

"I'm in the process of moving, so the extra cash would help with getting boxes and saving up to pay my first few months of rent," she said.

Casual waitress Sienna Curnow said she had to constantly ask for her wages to be paid and is still waiting for $586 in superannuation.

"I want to get paid for my work," she said.

After three years working at Titanic Williamstown, Ms Curnow resigned last month, telling Mr Nguyen "while I love the business a lot, I haven't felt very valued as an employee".

Two other staff members have also resigned in recent months, and claim they are owed close to $1,000 each in superannuation from the venue.

The ABC understands suppliers and contractors also allege they are owed money, and some have hired debt collectors.

'Gutting' experience for staff

Karma Lord, director of Hospo Voice at the United Workers Union, said chasing up unpaid wages and entitlements had been a "gutting experience" for workers.

"The Titanic is a venue that's dear to the hearts of its staff and the local Williamstown community," Ms Lord said.

The union is "closely examining" whether it can refer the employer to the Victorian Wage Theft Inspectorate, and says the unpaid superannuation matter has been reported to the ATO.

After repeatedly chasing up overdue invoices, performer Eilannin Harris-Black has been paid what she is owed and is now trying to help other staff recoup their money, including her husband and fellow performer, Jon.

"A lot of them didn't know they could pursue it, they didn't even know that their super wasn't being paid."

Ms Harris-Black has been a regular performer at the Titanic Williamstown for almost five years and wants the venue to continue.

"When we are running, the theatre is full — there is literally a waiting list," she said.

"We don't want the business and the show and the history of it to go down the drain."