diff --git a/.github/workflows/upgrade-python-requirements.yml b/.github/workflows/upgrade-python-requirements.yml
index 479fea4..bc5f53b 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/upgrade-python-requirements.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/upgrade-python-requirements.yml
@@ -10,14 +10,14 @@ on:
         required: true
         # If copying this template manually, you must provide your default branch name
         # in quotes, such as 'master'
-        default: $default-branch
+        default: "master"
 
 jobs:
   call-upgrade-python-requirements-workflow:
     uses: openedx/.github/.github/workflows/upgrade-python-requirements.yml@master
     with:
       # If copying manually, also provide your default branch name in quotes here
-      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: ""