The gig economy was enabled by technology, not a change in labour market regulations.

I doubt the gig economy will provide that either.

If the gig economy does not provide for self control of hours then I'd say the central pillar of the gig economy's value proposition to labor is gone and at that point it needs to be readdressed.

To date, thats literally the way people are attracted into the gig labor force and is central to what it means to be gigging.

The control is only there if people have a fallback to making money another way. Once they become more dependent on gigging they will have to do whatever they are told to do. They are easily replaceable cogs that have no market power.

Lets say I agreed with you. In what way is that worse than the non-gigging market? If I take a job at a Gap, I am an easily replaceable cog with no market power, I'm dependent on that job and have to do what I'm told, but I can't set my own hours. Regular shifts are virtually non-existent in most low income jobs today. Gigging as it currently exists improves on that.

"Regular shifts are virtually non-existent in most low income jobs today. "

This is a really bad trend that gigging will even accelerate.

I have a friend that started driving for Lyft, but only while he was seeking other employment.

I don't think this need is being fulfilled by people quitting their jobs to become Lyft drivers, I think it's a primary income for a lot of people who are otherwise jobless.

As a secondary income, I'd agree the hours are important factor.

Even while looking for a new job, being able to earn an income in a flexible way around your child care availability is a huge benefit.

I'm being regretfully dismissive, but this issue is one of those ones where I think you need first hand experience. Being able to set your own hours takes many people from non-employable to employable.

Why? One of the central features is control over working hours.