But several hot line workers said today that the call-screening process has put them in a difficult and uncomfortable position.

At that time, a line worker with overtime might have made $10,000 a year.

In the service work in with more control for front line workers we could do a much better job for less money.

Thus, the larger the firm, the lower the percentage of "line workers".

"Down to the very last line worker, they had taken to heart and acted on the conceptual framework of the reforms," he says.

Armour was notorious for the low pay it offered its line workers.

Last year, hot line workers deemed about one-third of the reports substantial enough to merit further investigation.

As of October 2011, the company employs about 14 people - four family members and 8-12 line workers.

Under Lincoln's system, line workers generally receive no base wage and are paid only for what they produce.

With 25 percent more line workers than needed, they formed groups in which three worked while a fourth rested.