 The new party soon gained the support of Jam'iyat Ashab al-San'a (Artisans' Society), the largest trade union in Iraq.The party held its first meeting in Baghdad in March of the same year, attracting 2000 followers to a rally where they called for a new government and a redefinition of the relationship between Iraq and the United Kingdom.In order to demonstrate its importance the party organised strikes in July, although there was no direct political motive behind the move, other than showing that the HIW had support.