diff --git a/.github/scripts/work-init.sh b/.github/scripts/work-init.sh
index b208455849..5f65a796b6 100755
--- a/.github/scripts/work-init.sh
+++ b/.github/scripts/work-init.sh
@@ -62,7 +62,10 @@ examples)
 otdfctl)
   rm -f go.work go.work.sum &&
     go work init &&
-    go work use ./otdfctl
+    go work use ./otdfctl &&
+    # service and examples are needed for release branch checks
+    go work use ./service &&
+    go work use ./examples
   ;;
 *)
   echo "[ERROR] unknown component [${component}]"