MCG cleaners cheated out of $37,000

International students who worked as cleaners at the MCG have allegedly been cheated out of more than $37,000 by a cleaning contractor.

The 11 workers, mostly international students, were employed by First Group of Companies Pty Ltd, a subcontractor for ISS Facility Services Australia Limited, the MCG's cleaning contractor.

The cleaners were allegedly paid a flat rate of between $18 and $25 an hour when they were entitled to between $18 and $46 for some shifts, the Fair Work Ombudsman said on Thursday.

Documents filed with the Federal Circuit Court allege ISS knew the sub-contract price it paid First Group of Companies wasn't enough to enable the company to pay its workers the correct rates.

ISS was also allegedly aware that First Group of Companies was ripping off the workers, but took no action.

The companies face penalties of $51,000 per breach and a directions hearing is listed for February 19 at the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne.