diff --git a/apps/wpm/models.py b/apps/wpm/models.py
index 85339bf9..149c82cc 100644
--- a/apps/wpm/models.py
+++ b/apps/wpm/models.py
@@ -642,7 +642,8 @@ class BatchLog(BaseModel):
             raise ParseError("relation_type must be split or merge")
         if handover is None and mlog is None:
             raise ParseError("handover or mlog must be provided")
-        return cls.objects.get_or_create(source=source, target=target, relation_type=relation_type, handover=handover, mlog=mlog)
+        return cls.objects.get_or_create(source=source, target=target, handover=handover, mlog=mlog,
+                                         defaults={"relation_type": relation_type})
 
     @classmethod
     def clear(cls, handover=None, mlog=None, mio=None):