Scale AI, a San Francisco tech startup valued at $13.8 billion, faces a lawsuit from former contractor Steve McKinney, alleging wage theft and misclassification of workers. The suit claims the company exploits its contractors, demanding unpaid work and violating labor laws. McKinney seeks class-action certification for current and former workers, arguing that many are traumatized by the disturbing content they handle. Scale asserts commitment to compliance and defends its contractor practices.