I'm pretty sure Cuban cigar factories still employ lectors. At least as recently as 2009, when the BBC reported: Today, though, the tradition only survives

I'm pretty sure Cuban cigar factories still employ lectors. At least as recently as 2009, when the BBC reported: Today, though, the tradition only survives in Cuba, with an estimated 250 'lectores' or cigar readers employed at factories across the island† 250 may not sound like alot, but it's a small island, where the government oversees production - there are are only a few dozen brands of cigars. So I'm guessing, with 250 readers, most factories have one on the floor. † http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8406641.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8406641.stm