Norfolk Southern freight railway says about 130 people have been furloughed in Roanoke as of Tuesday..

The company says it is focusing on having enough people at every location, and expects targeted hiring and furloughing will remain components of the operating model.

The company says furloughed employees are able to apply for positions elsewhere in the company.

Norfolk Southern issued this statement:

"In today’s rapidly changing environment, Norfolk Southern continues to focus on ensuring that we have the optimal number of people and assets at every location across our system in order to operate safely and efficiently. As we execute our new strategic plan, we expect that targeted hiring and furloughing will remain components of our operating model. Today, that entailed the furlough of approximately 130 employees in Roanoke, Virginia. Furloughed employees will have the opportunity to apply for positions elsewhere at Norfolk Southern."

Delegate Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke City) issued a statement condemning the announcement.

"I am shocked and deeply disappointed to hear about Norfolk Southern's plans right after Labor Day. Aside from financially harming families and creating a severe economic blow to the Roanoke Valley, this decision shows a blatant disregard for Roanoke's role in helping to build the railroad in our region."