diff --git a/.github/workflows/upgrade-python-requirements.yml b/.github/workflows/upgrade-python-requirements.yml
index ee23ce9..d464e4d 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/upgrade-python-requirements.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/upgrade-python-requirements.yml
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ jobs:
   call-upgrade-python-requirements-workflow:
     uses: openedx/.github/.github/workflows/upgrade-python-requirements.yml@master
     with:
-      branch: ${{ github.event.inputs.branch || '$default-branch' }}
+      branch: ${{ github.event.inputs.branch || 'master' }}
       # optional parameters below; fill in if you'd like github or email notifications
       # user_reviewers: ""
       team_reviewers: 'axim-aximprovements'