A New York City lawmaker is trying to ban most companies from firing workers without good reason, which could transform the balance of power between bosses and their employees.

Most US employees work “at-will,” allowing companies to legally terminate them for almost any reason, or for no reason at all. In contrast, under a bill being unveiled Wednesday, New York City employees’ jobs would be legally protected unless their boss could demonstrate misconduct, unsatisfactory performance or a genuine economic need to eliminate their position. Workers who believe they are terminated without “just cause” would be able to bring claims before city enforcers, arbitrators or state court judges.