diff --git a/github-action/Dockerfile b/github-action/Dockerfile
index dc1ae796..dfc90866 100644
--- a/github-action/Dockerfile
+++ b/github-action/Dockerfile
@@ -2,7 +2,8 @@ FROM mikefarah/yq:4
 
 COPY entrypoint.sh /entrypoint.sh
 
-# this seems to be the default user in github actions
-USER 1001
+# github action recommendation is to run as root.
+# https://docs.github.com/en/actions/creating-actions/dockerfile-support-for-github-actions#user
+USER root
 
 ENTRYPOINT ["/entrypoint.sh"]