diff --git a/.github/workflows/build.yml b/.github/workflows/build.yml
index d88291e..0b55e5e 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/build.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/build.yml
@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@ on:
   pull_request:
     branches: [ "main", "develop" ]
 
+permissions:
+  contents: write
+
 jobs:
   build:
     strategy:
diff --git a/build.gradle b/build.gradle
index 2f0d976..6ef331d 100644
--- a/build.gradle
+++ b/build.gradle
@@ -97,7 +97,8 @@ jar {
 
 machete {
     // Only optimize published releases
-    enabled = Boolean.getBoolean("PUBLISHING")
+    var publishingEnv = System.getenv("PUBLISHING")
+    enabled = publishingEnv != null && publishingEnv.toLowerCase() == "true"
 }
 
 // configure the maven publication